So you want to run a distribution that isn't on our list of supported distributions? Thats great! Just create a tar.gz, tar.bz2, or iso image containing an installed system and we will extract it into the root directory of your new VPS.
First, install the distribution of your choice onto a nearby computer (physical or otherwise). Assuming you're logged into the OS you wish to copy... execute:
tar -cvpzf /mydistro.tar.gz --exclude=/mydistro.tar.gz --exclude=/sys --exclude=/dev --exclude=/proc /
You can send it over the internet via SCP, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, or rsync. You can send the file to us, or provide us a download location. It is also possible to mail us a CD or DVD, although there will be a handling fee of $65.
Yes, you can! Do note that the images at jailtime are 32-bit, while we highly recommend 64-bit images. Our own filesystem images are just as capable as those at jailtime.org and happen to be 64-bit.
GrokThis.net VPS accounts support both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. However, our kernels are 64-bit. Although this should not affect the functionality of your applications, we still recommend customers choose 64-bit operating systems whenever possible.
By default, a 32-bit userspace mostly works on a 64-bit kernel; however, the architecture reported by the kernel is then, normally, reported as x86_64. A wrapper program called "linux32" overrides the necessary function(s) within GLIBC in order to accommodiate any program, such as gcc, that checks this variable. We have specially crafted a linux initrd image that it executes init through the "linux32" wrapper. This ensures fully compatability with 32-bit operating systems. It does, however, require that kernel modules be 64-bit; please keep this in mind if developing or compiling your own kernel modules.
Have a question? Contact a sales representative.